St. Louis is heating up — can you feel it? Like the spark off a flint, one person’s contribution can ignite an unexpected outcome. Flame-starters see problems as possibilities. They don’t stall or dawdle; they take action. And their creative solutions change the landscape.

Welcome to season three of our love story: a binge-worthy, day-in-the-life trilogy about the place that we call home. This issue’s cover story is a tribute to Jim McKelvey, the consummate fire-starter. He’s the founder of St. Louis’ new makerspace, MADE — and he’s St. Louis-made himself. He’s investing in St. Louis intellectually as well as philanthropically. McKelvey stands out because he has a genius for bold discovery. He pushes the envelope and questions the status quo. And that’s exactly what we need right now.